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The Epiphany of Rus' is a holiday on July 28. Day of the Baptism of Rus'

The Baptism of Rus' is marked by the adoption of Christianity and its proclamation by Prince Vladimir as state religion in 988. This moment became a turning point for the Russian State. The significance of this holiday cannot be overestimated. The 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus' reminds us that we are one and strong people with a great history.

The 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus' is celebrated today by millions of people both in Russia and abroad. May each of them have a warm and cozy home, and may peace and prosperity reign in families. We must remember the greatness of our ancestors, respect Orthodox values and our centuries-old traditions. Happy holiday!

The Baptism of Rus' was, first of all, an act of affirmation of Christianity, its victory over paganism in the political sense (since we are talking specifically about the state, and not an individual). From that time on, the Christian Church in the Kiev-Russian state became not just a public, but also a state institution. In general terms, the Baptism of Rus' was nothing more than the establishment of a local Church, governed by the episcopate in local cathedras, which took place in 988 . (possibly 2-3 years later) on the initiative of Grand Duke Vladimir (+1015).

However, our story would be inconsistent if we did not first present the conditions under which Christianity penetrated and established itself among us and with what religious world, namely paganism, Christian preaching had to face in Rus'.

So, the pagan cult of the ancient Slavs was essentially nothing strictly regulated. They worshiped the elements of visible nature, first of all:God willing (the deity of the sun, the giver of light, heat, fire and all sorts of benefits; the luminary itself was calledKhorsom ) AndVeles ( Hair ) — to the bestial god (patron of flocks). Another important deity wasPerun - the god of thunder, thunder and deadly lightning, borrowed from the Baltic cult (Lithuanian Perkūnas). The wind was personifiedStri-god . The sky in which Dazhd-God resided was calledSvarog and was considered the father of the sun; why, God willing, was the patronymic adopted?Svarozhich . The deity of the earth was also revered -Mother earth of cheese , some kind of female deity— Mokosh , as well as givers of family benefits -Genus AndWoman in labor.

Nevertheless, the images of the gods did not receive the clarity and certainty among the Slavs as, for example, in Greek mythology. There were no temples, no special class of priests, no places of worship. In some places, vulgar images of deities were placed in open places - wooden idols and stonewomen . Sacrifices were made to them, sometimes even human ones, and this was the limit of the cult side of idolatry.

The disorder of the pagan cult testified to its living practice among the pre-Christian Slavs. It was not even a cult, but a naturalistic way of seeing the world and worldview. It was precisely in those areas of consciousness and worldview in which early Russian Christianity did not offer any alternative that pagan ideas persisted until modern times. Only in the second half of the 19th century. with the development of the zemstvo education system, these stable ideological forms were offered a different, more Christianized (as if school) form of ethnic and naturalistic consciousness.

Already in the ancient period, these persistent ideological categories were adapted by Christianity, as if transformed into Christian symbols, sometimes acquiring completely Christian symbolic content. As a result, for example, the name Khor(o)sa, symbolizing the sun as a kind of fiery circle (good , colo ) in the sky they began to call the rounded chandelier, emitting light in the church, located, by the way, under the dome, which also symbolizes the firmament in temple symbolism. Similar examples could be multiplied, which, however, is not the purpose of this essay; it is only important to ultimately give this phenomenon an adequate explanation.

It is implied that ideological syncretism was not a continuation of paganism in Russian Christianity, but only a kind of “toolkit.” In the process of perceiving Christian symbols, willy-nilly, categories more traditional for the Slavic worldview were used, as if certain receptors with which a Slav (whether a warrior, a plowman or a clergyman) perceived the abstractions of a teaching that was new to them.

However, the interweaving (syncretism) of symbols did not necessarily indicate the massive penetration of pagan ideology into Christian doctrine among the newly converted Slavs, which is clearly evidenced by the loss of the cult of one of the most popular Slavic deities, Dazhd-God, associated with the animistic (animal) understanding of the change of light and heat (summer and winter). Moreover, such a syncretism of ideological and ritual traditions was characteristic not only of the Slavs, but also of the Greco-Roman world, which accepted Christianity as if at first hand.

The cult of ancestors was developed even more than the cult of visible nature among the Eastern Slavs. The long-dead head of the clan was idolized and considered the patron of his offspring. His name wasoriginally from orsquinting ( ancestor ). Vegetable sacrifices were also offered to him. Such a cult order originated and existed in the conditions of the tribal life of the ancient Slavs. When, in later times of pre-Christian history, clan ties began to disintegrate, and families became isolated in separate households, a privileged placesort of family ancestor stepped in -brownie, patron of the court, invisibly managing his household. Ancient Slav believed that the souls of the dead continue to wander the earth, inhabiting fields, forests, waters (goblin, mermaids, mermaids) - all nature seemed to him endowed with some kind of soul. He sought to communicate with her, to participate in her changes, accompanying these changes with holidays and rituals. This is how a year-long circle of pagan holidays was created, associated with the veneration of nature and the cult of ancestors. Observing the correct change of winter and summer, the Slavs celebrated the days of the autumn and spring equinoxes with holidayscarols (orautumn ), welcomed spring (Red hill ), saw off the summer (bathed ) etc. At the same time, there were holidays about the dead -funeral feasts (table wake).

However, the morals of the ancient Slavs were not distinguished by “special” piety; for example, blood feud was practiced. Until Yaroslav the Wise, the princely power in Rus' did not have judicial functions, and the punishment of the guilty was the business of the relatives of the victim. The state, of course, did not interfere in such lynching, considering it as an elementcustomary law (a relic of pre-stategeneric relations). In addition, the slave trade spread. And, although this was not the main export industry, as, for example, among the Normans, the Slavs did not disdain this, albeit not on such a wide scale.

The main conclusion that we must draw is that the Slavs did not have even the remotest idea of the one Creator God that Christianity has. Pagan religion The Slavs were by no means God-seeking, like, for example, the paganism of the ancient Greeks, but a naturalist, satisfied with the observation and worship of unknown natural elements. This fact, perhaps, most eloquently testifies to the nature of the perception of Christianity, which was new for the Slavs, and its connection with traditional paganism. Thus, the fact that all Slavs, including ours, were destined to accept St. Baptism is a great participation of God's providence.

As in other countries, Russia celebrates national, professional and other holidays, as well as the most important significant events in the life of the state. The Baptism of Rus' is a tribute to the memory of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince of Kyiv Vladimir, thanks to whom Christianity (Orthodoxy) has essentially become the state religion in our country since 988.

However, we emphasize that the church in Russia is separated from the state. However, the Day of the Baptism of Rus' has now acquired a truly national character. By the way, it was supported by the relevant law in 2010. We have one “On the days of military glory and memorable days of Russia.” So, at the request of Patriarch Alexy II, an addition was made to it about the celebration of the Day of the Baptism of Rus' on July 28. An important step was approved by the State Duma, the Federation Council and signed by the president. True, it is not a working day, but this does not prevent us from celebrating it widely, one might say on a grand scale.

In connection with the memorable date - the Baptism of Rus', true Orthodox Christians also remember another great day - Epiphany, the baptism of the Lord’s son Jesus Christ himself, which occurs in the first month of winter, on the night of January 19 and which takes place with a huge crowd of people.

Let us remind you that the main events - the solemn liturgy and the blessing of water - take place in the ancient Moscow Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhov (in the north-east of Moscow near the German settlement). By the way, Tsar Peter the Great had one of his residences in this historical place. The blessing of water takes place over two days - January 18 and 19. An eloquent figure - in 2015, more than three thousand Epiphany baths were equipped throughout Russia. According to a 2010 VTsIOM survey, 75 percent of Russians consider themselves Orthodox Christians. Consequently, millions and millions of our compatriots annually plunge into the baptismal font and cross themselves three times. Water on Epiphany acquires healing properties. It doesn't spoil. Take a bath even in thirty-degree frost - you won’t get sick!

The International Christmas Festival of Sacred Music has been held in Moscow on the Epiphany Day for several years now. Its initiators are maestro Vladimir Spivakov, whose violinists’ performances “Moscow Virtuosi” are known throughout the world,” and Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev in the world). The performances of the male choir of the Sretensky Monastery are popular on the holiday. In Belokamennaya on Christ's Resurrection Church choirs of boys from the Czech Republic and Great Britain came and with their singing touched the parishioners to happy tears. Sacred music, including that performed by famous organists, is heard in the cathedrals of St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and other metropolises. Church choirs also perform there.

Let us return, however, to our first significant date - July 28. Celebrations in the restored main temple of the Fatherland of Christ the Savior, as if with sacred threads, connect everything Christian churches Mother Russia. In its most remote corners, solemn services are held in churches. Are being accomplished religious processions, believers in front of icons with the face of Christ offer him their thanks and prayers. Priests come to schools, colleges, institutes and meet with young people, talk about the great religious holiday.

By the way, many Orthodox parish schools have appeared in the country at churches, where believing children are introduced to Christianity, study its history, and today's Orthodox existence. The young youths, in their wondrous, soul-stirring singing, give glory to the Lord God, the Day of the Baptism of Rus'.

From paganism to Orthodoxy

It must be said that before the baptism of Rus', our ancestors worshiped pagan gods. The main one was the Thunder God named Perun. According to ancient legends, he patronized the prince and his military squads. The choir (Yarilo) personified the sun. Dazhbog - also a solar deity - closed winter and revealed spring to the light. Stribog commanded the winds, snow and rain. Svarog was the blacksmith god. Svarozhich personified bright fire. Well, and so on and so on in order. Prince Vladimir was an educated man. It was not for nothing that Grand Duchess Olga herself was involved in his upbringing. From 970 to 988, Vladimir Svyatoslavovich was the Prince of Novgorod. From 978 to 1015 - Prince of Kyiv. He communicated a lot with philosophers, scientists, theologians, including those from enlightened Europe. By the way, I noticed that in the countries of the continent, religion plays a leading role, uniting people around their rulers.

After much thought, he came to the conclusion that pagan gods were not suitable for Rus'. You should choose a religion that is stronger and more understandable. And he met with representatives of four then-confessions - Mohammedan Bulgarians, Latins from Rome, Khazar Jews and Byzantine Greeks. Heard the parties about the benefits of their religions. Mohammedanism did not suit him: the ban on pork, wine, circumcision. "Rus' has fun drinking!" - he objected to the Bulgarians. What kind of god do the Jews have if they are all scattered around the world?! He also found objections to the postulates of Rome. But he liked Orthodoxy, especially the splendor of church services in Constantinople (Constantinople today), the wealth and luxury of the churches themselves. And the Grand Duke in 987, at a council of boyars, decided to baptize Rus' according to the “Greek law.” The prince himself was baptized in Kherson (later Khersones-Tauride) in the southwest of the Crimean Peninsula. By the way, before the sacred action he went blind. His relatives urged him: “Be baptized and you will receive your sight!” Having accepted Orthodoxy, he truly received his sight, which was perceived as a great miracle. The faithful boyars and squad received baptism with him. But the mass baptism of Kiev residents took place at the confluence of the Pochayni River with the Dnieper. By the way, Jesus Christ himself was baptized in the waters of the Jordan River by the prophet John the Baptist. And during the sacrament, God appeared to him in three forms - father, son and holy spirit. Prince Vladimir knew this fact from the Greek clergy.

Reasons for the Baptism of Rus'

Of course, Prince Vladimir (people also called him: Vladimir the Holy, Vladimir the Great, Vladimir the Baptist, Vladimir the Red Sun) was the head of everything in Rus'. But his entourage in the person of eminent boyars known strength had. Many, of course, resisted baptism, fearing the wrath of their pagan patrons for apostasy. But the main part was in favor and proceeded, firstly, from the desire of the Kyiv princes to be equal to European monarchs; secondly, also a desire, but now to strengthen the state according to the principle “One monarch - one faith.” At the same time, Prince Vladimir himself and his faithful boyars had already seen that many noble Kievans had long ago, even if in secret, adopted Christianity according to the Byzantine model. Therefore there was no time to hesitate. And although the process of introducing Rus' to Christianity took a lot of time, at its origins stood Prince Vladimir, whom the church later elevated to sainthood.

Consequences of the Baptism of Rus'

They are very important for the fate of even today's Russia. Orthodox Church became a pillar of power. There was a clear division of Christians into Orthodox and Catholics. Rus' became one of the religious centers of the world along with Rome. And Kievan Rus, in particular, turned with the help of Orthodoxy into a strong centralized state. Finally, the Russians were accepted into the family of European nations, their culture was enriched by the values of the continent. And Europe has learned a lot from us. And this mutual exchange of spiritual and cultural values continues to this day.

Years of hard times

The revolution of 1917 greatly shook and shook the foundations of Orthodoxy in Russia. Everyone is well aware of the catchphrase of its leader Vladimir Lenin: “Religion is the opium of the people!” The new government rushed between the so-called “god-building,” in other words, building the future of the Fatherland in alliance with Orthodoxy, and the complete elimination of religion as such. at all. The latter prevailed. And the destruction of churches and persecution of clergy began. Even the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow was not spared. But it was erected, largely with public money, in honor of Russia’s victory over Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812 and was inaugurated on May 26, 1883 under Emperor Alexander III. Main church the country was demolished in the most barbaric way. Instead, they initially decided to erect a grandiose Palace of Soviets, but due to various circumstances the idea was abandoned, and the Moscow outdoor swimming pool appeared on the site of the temple.

Fortunately, the hard times are over common sense. In 1989, the authorities decided to restore the destroyed temple, which was done with the same active participation of the people. On December 31, like New Year's Eve 1991, the restored temple solemnly opened its doors, and thousands of true believers, Orthodox Christians, flocked to it.

Return to God

Under the Soviets, churches of various religious denominations, although in reduced numbers, existed. True, citizens were not entirely comfortable entering them: atheists didn’t just laugh at Orthodoxy, they categorically and actively opposed it. And God forbid, if a Komsomol member, much less a party member, appeared in the church even for a minute: they risked their membership cards! But new times have come, the USSR has remained in the past (and many sincerely regret this!), and now it is not uncommon for a high-ranking official, who at one time preached communist ideology, to stand reverently in a church with a lit candle in his hands. Either he puts her in health or for peace. And what can we say about ordinary citizens?! They fearlessly come to churches, attend church services, pray earnestly, and even participate in festive meals. help their denomination financially. In particular, for Orthodoxy we can give the following interesting figures: if in 1987 we had 6,800 churches, now there are more than 27 thousand! The number of monasteries, including men's, increased from 18 to 680. The country has developed a special program for the construction of new Orthodox churches, and the state is actively involved in its implementation. The number of true believers is growing steadily. And not only in Orthodoxy. They can pray in mosques, synagogues, Catholic churches. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Basic Law of the country - the Constitution!

Baptism Day became an important stage in history Kievan Rus and influenced its further cultural and historical development.

The Orthodox faith came to Kievan Rus in 988, although the holiday of the baptism of Rus' began to be officially celebrated only in the 21st century.

Sputnik Georgia asked why the Day of the Baptism of Rus' is celebrated on July 28, as well as the history and significance of the holiday.

Who baptized Rus'

It is no coincidence that the Day of the Baptism of Rus' is celebrated on July 28 - on this day the Orthodox commemorate the Prince of Kyiv Vladimir (about 960-1015) - the baptizer of Rus'.

Vladimir, the son of Prince Svyatoslav and the “thing maiden” Malusha, began to rule independently at the age of 17-18. Vladimir's mother, Malusha, was a Christian. She accepted Christian faith together with Princess Olga in Constantinople, under whom she was housekeeper. Returning to her homeland, Olga decided to pass on the faith to her descendants.

Vladimir, as life tells, came to power after an internecine war with his brothers Oleg and Yaropolk. In the first years of his reign, the young prince was a furious pagan and indulged in a stormy sensual life, although he was far from being such a sensualist as he is sometimes portrayed.

As a kind and caring owner, Vladimir defended and expanded, if necessary, the boundaries of his principality by force of arms, and when returning from a campaign, he arranged cheerful and generous feasts for the squad and for all of Kiev. But the Lord prepared a different fate for him.

The chronicle legend “about the test or choice of faiths” tells that in Kyiv in 986 from different nations embassies came calling on the prince to convert to their faith.

The Volga Bulgarians praised Mohammed of the Muslim faith, the embassy from Rome from the Pope preached the Latin faith, and the Khazar Jews - Judaism. The last to arrive was a preacher from Byzantium and told Vladimir about Orthodoxy.

The prince, in order to understand whose faith was better, sent envoys to those countries from which the preachers came. Upon their return, the ambassadors spoke about religious rites and customs of these countries.

According to legend, the prince was impressed by the envoys' stories about the patriarchal service in Constantinople, but did not immediately accept Christianity.

Historians also explain the Baptism of Rus' for political reasons. For example, adherents Orthodox faith it was easier to trade with Christian Byzantium, as well as to enlist its support.

The baptism of Rus' was also beneficial for Byzantium itself - it received an ally, including a military one, in the struggle to expand its influence.

History of Baptism

For the military assistance provided to Emperor Vasily II in suppressing the uprising raised by the military leader Varda Foka, Vladimir asked for the hand of Anna, the sister of the Byzantine ruler.

According to the agreement, the prince could receive the hand of Princess Anna by sending six thousand Varangians to help the emperors and accepting Holy baptism.

With the help of the Russians, the rebellion was crushed, but the Greeks were in no hurry to fulfill their part of the agreement. The prince, outraged by the deception on the part of the Greeks, captured the Greek city of Korsun (now Sevastopol), demanding that the rulers of Byzantium give him Princess Anna as his wife, otherwise he threatened to go to Constantinople.

The Byzantine emperors Constantine VIII and Vasily II were forced to agree, but demanded that Vladimir be baptized before marrying Anna.

Vladimir was baptized along with his retinue in Korsun, and then the wedding ceremony took place with Princess Anna.

Having married the princess, the prince released all his wives and concubines, and returning, accompanied by Korsun and Greek priests to Kyiv, baptized his sons from his previous wives. Then many boyars received Holy Baptism.

In Kyiv, on the orders of Vladimir, the temple that he had once built was destroyed - the idols were chopped into pieces and burned. Then the prince gathered all the residents of Kyiv on the banks of the Dnieper, where a mass baptism of Kiev residents took place.

This most important event took place, according to the chronicle, in 988. Christianity, following Kiev, gradually came to other cities of Rus' - Chernigov, Polotsk, Volyn, Turov, where dioceses were created.

In general, the baptism of Rus' dragged on for several centuries. Rostov received baptism only at the end of the 11th century, and in Murom the pagans resisted until the 12th century.

The Vyatichi tribe remained in paganism longer than all the Slavic tribes - their enlightener was the Monk Kuksha of Pechersk in the 12th century, who suffered martyrdom among them.

The adoption of a new, unified faith or the baptism of Rus' became a serious impetus for the unification of Russian lands.

history of the holiday

The Day of the Baptism of Rus' was first officially celebrated in 1888 - solemn church services, religious processions and festive festivities took place throughout the country.

In 1988, they celebrated the 1000th anniversary of the baptism of Rus' - in the USSR, the celebration was of an intra-church nature. The main celebrations took place in the Moscow Danilov Monastery, specially recreated for the anniversary. In 2018, Orthodox Christians will celebrate the 1030th anniversary of the baptism of Rus' - Moscow, Kiev, Minsk and Chisinau will be the centers of celebration. Prayer services and religious processions will be held in all cities.

Wave bell ringing on the day of the baptism of Rus', will sweep through all the churches and monasteries of the Russian Church - the festive chime will be heard almost everywhere.

Simultaneous chime united for the first time Orthodox churches and monasteries in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and other countries in 2012.

The material was prepared based on open sources

July 28 The holiday in honor of one of the main milestones in the history of Rus' - the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion in 988 - was established not so long ago. June 1, 2010. President Dmitry Medvedev approved amendments to the Federal Law “On Days of Military Glory and memorable dates ah Russia." The Day of the Baptism of Rus' appeared on the list of memorable dates. The Russian Orthodox Church made a proposal to give this historical event state status.

July 28 was chosen for the holiday - on this day the memory of Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, also known as Vladimir the Red Sun, is celebrated. Vladimir was the grandson of Grand Duchess Olga, who was baptized in Constantinople and tried to instill in her descendant love and respect for the Christian faith. There is a legend about how Vladimir chose a suitable religion for his people.

According to legend, the prince made a choice in favor of Orthodoxy under the impression of the stories of his envoys, whom he sent to Constantinople and who returned, amazed by the splendor of the church service. Historically, the Baptism of Rus' was due to a number of reasons. First, the unification of lands required the abandonment of tribal gods and the introduction monotheistic religion according to the principle of “one state, one prince, one God.” Secondly, the entire European world had adopted Christianity by that time. And thirdly, familiarization with Christian culture gave the country a strong incentive for development.

Vladimir contributed to the spread of Christianity in Rus', built new cities and erected churches in them. Following Kiev, other cities adopted Orthodoxy. However, the Baptism of Rus' actually dragged on for several centuries - until Christianity finally defeated pagan beliefs. Interestingly, in Ukraine a similar date has been celebrated since 2008. Our neighbors call the holiday the Day of the Epiphany of Kievan Rus-Ukraine and also falls on July 28th.

It was a long time ago. Our ancestors, who were called Eastern Slavs, lived in the territory of present-day Ukraine and western Russia. These tribes were scattered and often fought among themselves. Each tribe was ruled by princes. The most important of them was the Kiev prince. His city Kyiv was the largest and several tribes gradually united around Kyiv. The time of Kievan Rus has come.

At the end of the 10th century, Prince Vladimir became the Prince of Kyiv. He was the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav. People called Vladimir the Red Sun. It was a well-deserved nickname. The people respected the prince because he cared about his people and their safety. His time as ruler of Russia was the true heyday of the state.

One of the merits of Prince Vladimir the Red Sun was the Baptism of Rus' in 988.

Before Epiphany, the Eastern Slavs believed in different gods: Perun, Stribog, Dazhdbog, Svarog and others. Each of these gods “managed” some part of people’s lives, natural phenomena, elements.

To worship these and other gods, the Slavs placed sacred idols in squares, held holidays and rituals near them, made sacrifices and prayed, asked for a good harvest, successful hunting or fishing. This was called paganism or idolatry.

Prince Vladimir was an enlightened man, communicated with the rulers of neighboring states and saw that in European states there was no longer such faith as in Rus'. They believed in one God - Jesus Christ. And the faith was called Christianity.

And Prince Vladimir decided to introduce the Christian faith into Kievan Rus. To do this, it was necessary to destroy the Slavic idols. Vladimir ordered the former gods to be burned or drowned in the river. By order of Vladimir the most important Slavic god Perun was thrown from the high Dnieper bank into the water.

On July 28, Prince Vladimir, together with his family, squad and residents of Kyiv, came to the banks of the Dnieper. Christian priests, invited by Vladimir to Kyiv, also came. They performed a baptismal ceremony: they lowered a cross, a symbol of Christianity, into the waters of the Dnieper and forced people to undress down to their undershirts and, entering the water, plunge their heads three times. It was believed that blessed water washed away all evil from people and cleansed their souls. When the celebration ended, the people of Kiev were declared Christians. By the end of the 10th century, the majority of the inhabitants of Rus' accepted Christianity through baptism with water and the cross.

The new religion did not immediately establish itself in society. Paganism is closely intertwined with Christianity, remaining in such folk holidays, like Maslenitsa, Krasnaya Gorka, the holiday of Ivan Kupala and others. The Baptism of Rus' did not take place peacefully everywhere. City residents protested against new religion and secretly worshiped idols.

All this happened so long ago that now many people don’t know, for example, what Maslenitsa holiday is it, pagan or Christian?

The significance of the Baptism of Rus' for the state was enormous. Contacts with other Christian states of Europe strengthened. These were both trade and cultural contacts. Rus' began to trade with its neighbors, European artists and architects came to Kyiv. They built and decorated the first Christian churches in Kyiv and other cities.

Greek and Bulgarian priests invited by Vladimir brought books of church and secular content. They served the first Orthodox services in churches, translated holy books With Greek language into Old Church Slavonic, taught parishioners to understand Holy Bible and the Bible.

With the adoption of Christianity, the flourishing of ancient Russian culture began, the people received a single god and a single ruler, which made it possible to strengthen statehood in Kievan Rus and develop the state as a Christian, full member of the Christian community in Europe.

It happened in 988 and is associated with the name of Prince Vladimir, whom historians called great, the church called Saint Equal to the Apostles, and the people called Vladimir the Red Sun.

Prince Vladimir was the grandson of Grand Duchess Olga and the son of Prince Svyatoslav and the “virgin of things” Malusha, who became a Christian together with Princess Olga in Constantinople. He began ruling independently at the age of 17 and spent the first six years on campaigns. According to legend, during these years the prince was a pagan, a lover of military campaigns and noisy feasts.

As the chronicles tell, in 986 embassies from different nations came to the prince in Kyiv, urging him to convert to their faith. First, the Volga Bulgarians of the Muslim faith came and praised Mohammed, then foreigners from Rome preached the Latin faith from the pope, and the Khazar Jews preached Judaism. The last to arrive, according to the chronicles, was a preacher sent from Byzantium, who told Vladimir about Orthodoxy. To understand whose faith is better, Prince Vladimir sent nine envoys to visit the countries from which the preachers came. Upon returning, the ambassadors spoke about the religious customs and rituals of these countries. They visited both the Muslim mosque of the Bulgarians and the Catholic Germans, but the patriarchal service in Constantinople (Constantinople) made the greatest impression on them.

However, Vladimir did not immediately accept Christianity. In 988, he captured Korsun (now the territory of the city of Sevastopol) and demanded Anna, the sister of the Byzantine emperors - co-rulers Vasily II and Constantine VIII, as his wife, threatening otherwise to go to Constantinople. The emperors agreed, demanding in turn that the prince be baptized so that his sister could marry a fellow believer. Having received Vladimir's consent, the brothers sent Anna to Korsun. There, in Korsun, Vladimir and his warriors were baptized by the bishop of Korsun, after which they performed the wedding ceremony. At baptism, Vladimir took the name Vasily, in honor of the ruling Byzantine emperor Vasily II.

There is a legend that in Korsun the prince became blind, but immediately after baptism he was healed and exclaimed: “Now I have come to know the true God!” After marrying Princess Anna, Vladimir released all his wives and concubines.

Returning to Kyiv, accompanied by Korsun and Greek priests, Vladimir baptized his sons from his previous wives in a spring known in Kyiv as Khreshchatyk. Following them, many boyars were baptized.

He ordered the destruction of the temple he had once built in Kyiv. The idols were chopped into pieces and burned. Then he ordered to gather all the residents of Kyiv to the banks of the Dnieper. The day before, the prince announced throughout the city: “If anyone does not come to the river tomorrow - rich or poor, beggar or slave - he will be my enemy.”

Mass baptism of Kiev residents took place at the confluence of the Pochayna River into the Dnieper. The chronicles read: “The very next day, Vladimir went out with the priests of Tsaritsyn and Korsuin to the Dnieper, and countless people gathered there. They entered the water and stood there, some up to their necks, others up to their chests, small children near the shore up to their chests, some holding babies , and the adults wandered around, while the priests performed prayers, standing still...” This most important event took place, according to the chronicle chronology, in 988.

Following Kiev, Christianity gradually came to other cities of Kievan Rus: Chernigov, Volyn, Polotsk, Turov, where dioceses were created. The baptism of Rus' as a whole dragged on for several centuries - in 1024 Yaroslav the Wise suppressed the uprising of the Magi in the Vladimir-Suzdal land (a similar uprising was repeated in 1071; at the same time in Novgorod the Magi opposed Prince Gleb), Rostov was baptized only at the end of the 11th century, and in Murom, pagan resistance to the new faith continued until the 12th century.

The Vyatichi tribe remained in paganism the longest of all the Slavic tribes. Their enlightener in the 12th century was the Monk Kuksha, a Pechersk monk who suffered martyrdom among them.

The adoption of a new, unified faith became a serious impetus for the unification of Russian lands.

The baptism of Rus' also determined the civilizational choice of Russia, which found its place between Europe and Asia and subsequently became the most powerful Eurasian power.

The material was prepared based on information from open sources